Memory

God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us. Ephesians 3:20 NLV

It was heartbreaking to hear a widow friend say of her husband who had died some years before, “I’m so afraid I will forget what he looks like”. She said this because there were tell tale signs that her memory was fading slowly yes, but surely, and it worried her heart. She recognised that her mind was failing. Her fear was real!

God is not like that because He will never forget us or our love for Him. But it goes deeper and better for me anyway. No matter how we see God now, in all His glory and power, it doesn’t come anywhere close to what He can, and will, do in us. That’s whether our mind is alert or frail and failing.

No matter what we think about God’s love, His love is greater. Whatever we think about His power, He is more powerful still. If we think we know His forgiveness, God’s forgiving Spirit is far greater and for everyone. The phrase is worth repeating: God is able to do much more than we ask or think. When our weakened mind starts to fail us, and sadly we don’t recognise our loved ones, take comfort in the sure and certain fact that God remembers His own. Always, and forever, time without end. Amen and Amen to that simple truth!

God remembers those who suffer; he does not forget their cry. Psalm 9:12

Memory

As our age increases, so our ability to remember clearly usually decreases and can become obvious to our friends and family alike. In fact, they will see it before you do. However, have you noticed even in advanced dementia patients, memories stored from ‘way back in their youth come through as fresh as when they were once made?

Firstly, be amazed at the skill of the Creator who allows some memories into our minds, never to be fully forgotten. Secondly, the Christian should use the skills of memorisation while we can to keep a store of favourite Bible verses and passages. Then as the shadow of failing memory passes over us, we can get the help and comfort right from the source of the well.

You know it makes sense, but it means lifting your Bible more often, reading it over and over, and making an effort to commit verses to memory while we can. It is possible to leave it too late and the things which will fall from our long term memory will be songs, melodies, childhood incidents, but little or no comfort from God’s Word, and would you want that?

So, starting right now, open the Bible that only goes to church with you (even if that!) and read the familiar psalms, parables and promises of a loving God. Do your best to let them sink into your mind, and even if your memory stays sharp in later years, you will have gained a treasure trove of much needed Scripture to have at hand. Should that dreaded mind numbing illness strike, God will bring to your mind the benefits of His Word. What could be better? How do I know this truth? Because His Word has already comforted me with this powerful promise:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV

Hidden

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV

This old and well worn verse, memorised from Sunday School times, has a depth of meaning. On a surface level, it is an exhortation to learn, and remember Scripture, and commit as much as possible to memory. The reason for this is to give strength when we face tough times and need to know what His Word says to us in that situation. We use our memory to its best advantage while we can.

The psalmist doesn’t use the word memory, or brain, he uses the word ‘heart’ and I think deliberately to give us a deeper insight and meaning which goes beyond our capacity to remember. The heart goes far deeper than our heads, but we don’t remember with our hearts, do we? Or do we?

In these days where we are all living longer, one of the increasing problems we may face is forgetfulness, and in up to 80% of cases, we could develop some kind of mild or severe dementia. Our memory will not always be as alert or useful. We might find ourselves unable to recall the things we did yesterday, but can bring to mind in great detail what we did on our street 50 years ago in our childhood or youth. I think this is the secret of hiding God’s Word in our heart.

If you should ever see signs of memory loss starting in your own life, what would you like to keep in your heart? For my part, I would say the faces and names of my loved ones. My wife, children, grandchildren, friends and that very special friend too. The heart can be a treasure trove of good things, and on top of it all, could and should be God’s Word to keep us in tune with His work in our lives in the past, at present, and into our perhaps unknown future.

Have you seen a saint of God grow old, while memory fades? I have, and my experience is that they kept a glow, when their memory had no reason to make them happy. Without exception, they had hidden God’s Word in their hearts, and when their memory failed, the reserves of the heart kicked in and sustained them until it was time to come face to face with the Author. I pray that my gracious God will allow that same blessing for you and me!